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There is currently no comprehensive feed consumption database using a harmonised feed classification system. This means there is a lack of accurate information on the individual amount of feed consumed daily by farmed and companion animals. Such a database would support exposure assessments of feed. This report provides a complete overview of the main feed databases, their structure, and how feed materials are classified. It highlights their limits and potential and reports any differences from FoodEx2. A proposal for future updates of FoodEx2 and the development of a comprehensive feed consumption model database is provided. The proposed model database is based on three information areas represented by three Excel sheets. These represent Animal, Feed, and Consumption, allowing the determination of animal dietary exposure. A proof of concept of the developed model database was carried out by performing two case studies focused on genetically modified feed and feed contaminants. For genetically modified feed, a reduced animal dietary exposure was obtained compared to estimations reported in the scientific opinions and obtained using Excel calculators proposed by EFSA. For the contaminants in feed, differences were limited, resulting in slightly higher or lower exposure values. Weaknesses and possible mitigations are also addressed, and recommendations are made for a comprehensive feed consumption database. These include recommendations establishing an EU classification system in which the main features and items reported in the European Catalogue of Feed Materials are harmonised with FoodEx2. It is also recommended that real‐life animal consumption data are collected by the feed industry, animal nutritionists, breeders, and farmers, along with the collaboration of stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guglielmina Pepe,1,2 Betti Giusti,1,2 Elena Sticchi,1,2 Rosanna Abbate,1,2 Gian Franco Gensini,1–3 Stefano Nistri2,4 1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Critical Medical Care and Medical Specialities, DENOTHE Center, University of Florence, 2Cardiothoracovascular Department, Marfan Syndrome and Related Disorders Regional Referral Center, Careggi Hospital, 3Santa Maria agli Ulivi, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Onlus, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Florence, 4Cardiology Service, CMSR Veneto Medica, Altavilla Vicentina, Italy Abstract: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a pleiotropic connective tissue disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, due to mutations in the FBN1 gene encoding fibrillin 1. It is an important protein of the extracellular matrix that contributes to the final structure of a microfibril. Few cases displaying an autosomal recessive transmission are reported in the world. The FBN1 gene, which is made of 66 exons, is located on chromosome 15q21.1. This review, after an introduction on the clinical manifestations that leads to the diagnosis of MFS, focuses on cardiovascular manifestations, pharmacological and surgical therapies of thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or dissection (TAAD), mechanisms underlying the progression of aneurysm or of acute dissection, and biomarkers associated with progression of TAADs. A Dutch group compared treatment with losartan, an angiotensin II receptor-1 blocker, vs no other additional treatment (COMPARE clinical trial). They observed that losartan reduces the aortic dilatation rate in patients with Marfan syndrome. Later on, they also reported that losartan exerts a beneficial effect on patients with Marfan syndrome carrying an FBN1 mutation that causes haploinsufficiency (quantitative mutation), while it has no significant effect on patients displaying dominant negative (qualitative) mutations. Moreover, a French group in a 3-year trial compared the administration of losartan vs placebo in patients with Marfan syndrome under treatment with beta-receptor blockers. They observed that losartan decreases blood pressure but has no effect on aortic diameter progression. Thus, beta-receptor blockers remain the gold standard therapy in patients with Marfan syndrome. Three potential biochemical markers are mentioned in this review: total homocysteine, serum transforming growth factor beta, and lysyl oxidase. Moreover, markers of oxidative stress measured in plasma, previously correlated with clinical features of Marfan syndrome, may be explored as potential biomarkers of clinical severity. Keywords: Marfan syndrome, thoracic aortic aneurysm, fibrillin 1, cardiovascular manifestations, diagnosis, therapy

Rita Paniccia,1,2 Raffaella Priora,1,2 Agatina Alessandrello Liotta,2 Rosanna Abbate1,2 1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Thrombosis Center, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; 2Department of Heart and Vessels, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy Abstract: In physiological hemostasis a prompt recruitment of platelets on the vessel damage prevents the bleeding by the rapid formation of a platelet plug. Qualitative and/or quantitative platelet defects promote bleeding, whereas the high residual reactivity of platelets in patients on antiplatelet therapies moves forward thromboembolic complications. The biochemical mechanisms of the different phases of platelet activation – adhesion, shape change, release reaction, and aggregation – have been well delineated, whereas their complete translation into laboratory assays has not been so fulfilled. Laboratory tests of platelet function, such as bleeding time, light transmission platelet aggregation, lumiaggregometry, impedance aggregometry on whole blood, and platelet activation investigated by flow cytometry, are traditionally utilized for diagnosing hemostatic disorders and managing patients with platelet and hemostatic defects, but their use is still limited to specialized laboratories. To date, a point-of-care testing (POCT) dedicated to platelet function, using pertinent devices much simpler to use, has now become available (ie, PFA-100, VerifyNow System, Multiplate Electrode Aggregometry [MEA]). POCT includes new methodologies which may be used in critical clinical settings and also in general laboratories because they are rapid and easy to use, employing whole blood without the necessity of sample processing. Actually, these different platelet methodologies for the evaluation of inherited and acquired bleeding disorders and/or for monitoring antiplatelet therapies are spreading and the study of platelet function is strengthening. In this review, well-tried and innovative platelet function tests and their methodological features and clinical applications are considered. Keywords: platelets, method, point-of-care testing, laboratory assessment, bleeding, thrombosis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Khorasan wheat (Kamut) is an ancient grain with widely acclaimed beneficial effects on human health. The objective was to characterise Kamut and to examine the effect of a replacement diet with their products on cardiovascular risk parameters. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We conducted a randomized, single-blinded cross-over trial with two intervention phases on 22 healthy subjects (14 females;8 males). The participants were assigned to consume products (bread, pasta and crackers) made either from Kamut or control semi-whole-grain wheat for 8 weeks in a random order. An 8-week washout period was implemented between the interventions. Laboratory analyses were performed both at the beginning and at the end of each intervention phase. RESULTS: At a general linear model for repeated measurements adjusted for several confounders, consumption of Kamut products showed a significant reduction of metabolic risk factors such as total cholesterol (mean reduction: -- 8.46 mg/dl;--4%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (--9.82 mg/dl;--7.8%) and blood glucose. Similarly, redox status was significantly improved only after the Kamut intervention phase, as measured by a reduction in both thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (--0.17 nmol/ml;--21.5%;) and carbonyl levels (--0.16 nmol/ml;--17.6%). The replacement diet with Kamut products also resulted in a significant increase of serum potassium and magnesium. Circulating levels of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor) were significantly reduced after the consumption of Kamut products. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that a replacement diet with Kamut products could be effective in reducing metabolic risk factors, markers of both oxidative stress and inflammatory status. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2012.206; published online 9 January 2013 Keywords: grain; Kamut; cardiovascular disease; risk factors; diet, INTRODUCTION Wheat is considered one of the most important components of human nutrition, and on a global scale provides a source of dietary carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibre. (1-4) [...]